Students Reach the North Pole
Students from around the world reached the North Pole aboard Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreaker ’50 Years of Victory’, taking part in scientific experiments during the seventh international ‘Icebreaker of Knowledge’ expedition.
Footage shows participants holding their national flags beside the icebreaker and launching a radiosonde during the voyage.
Scientific Experiments in the Arctic
“This radiosonde allows us to collect the data needed for environmental monitoring, ice condition monitoring, and improving the safety of shipping in the Arctic. It will also help us to monitor marine mammals, including species listed in the Red Book,” said Anton Yurmanov, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Murmansk Arctic University.
A Journey of Pride and Firsts
Belarusian student Tikhon Korneenko said representing his country brought a sense of responsibility.
“This reminded me of the responsibility that comes with representing my country. It’s a great honour, and I want to do it well. <…> There’s a world of difference between looking at a nuclear-powered icebreaker in a photograph and seeing it in the flesh. It really does look majestic and shows the strength of Russia’s nuclear industry and its nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet,” he added.
For Tanzanian participant Xilin Lerato Mapunda, the journey also brought a first encounter with snow.
“It was very exciting to see snow for the first time. It was really cold, but it also felt so good. And I was just so overwhelmed. I was so happy. Like, oh my gosh, I did it! I got to the North Pole, which is very hard for someone where I’m from to do,” she explained.
Students From 22 Countries Join
The Rosatom-supported expedition ran from August 4 to 13, travelling from Murmansk to the North Pole and Franz Josef Land before returning to Murmansk. Sixty-eight students from across Russia and 22 countries took part.
Russian Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov said the voyage gave young researchers practical experience alongside scientists and educators.
“I am convinced that the unique experience the students have gained through their interactions with leading scientists, educators and science communicators will provide a powerful impetus for their professional development. In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, this trip has clearly demonstrated that science and education know no borders, and that talented young people from all over the world are capable of making new discoveries together,” the Russian Education Ministry press office quoted the minister.
The expedition was dedicated to Russia’s Year of Unity of the Peoples and marked the 200th surface-vessel expedition to the North Pole.
Article by Viory.
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